How many clowns can you fit in a Kia Soul or a Scion xB? No one knows for sure. Yet it is no guessing game to determine how these smaller rides can save your life in a big way when automakers put Electronic Stability Control (ESC), stronger body structure and multiple airbag systems as must-have standard safety features. Car safety is an important buying consideration. Yet the best thing about these compact cars is that safety doesn’t mean limited style when the list includes zippy racers, trendy square-shaped drives and tried-and-true smaller sedans.
The vehicles on this list each earned “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A “Top Safety Pick” is based on how well a vehicle protects its passengers in a crash. The IIHS bestows one of four ratings on all test vehicles: good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
The eight vehicles on this list all received “Good” scores in all tests. Plus, they include electronic stability control (ESC) to further enhance safety. For more details visit the IIHS.
This popular performer maintains a modern look and a life-saving record through good ratings in front and side plus rear and rollover crash tests with an improvement in structural chest protection. The base 2010 Civic ($15,655) offers a proven 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that packs a surprising amount of horsepower and is mated to a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission (the latter shifts like butter). Sorry coupe racers who love the sport-tuned Si trim – you’ll have to trade in for the 4-door version with optional ESC to stay safer as that version did not receive “Good” ratings in all tests. Not to worry, however, because the Civic comes is a dizzying array of trims.
The Spectra morphed into the better-equipped 2010 Kia Forte (view photos) to create a 4-door sedan netting solid nods in all crash test areas and with ESC. The Forte is outfitted with a 2.0-liter powertrain, but offers a bigger 173-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 25-mpg. The Forte smokes the competition in base price, too at only $13,695. Make sure your Forte was built after November 2009, as side impact tests didn’t get the same results as newly-built models.
